Daniel Vestal, CBF’s executive coordinator and former Houston resident, writes his suggestions for your trip to Houston for CBF’s General Assembly, July 2-3.
The last time I participated in an event at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston was when Richard Foster hosted an International Renovare Conference. Our General Assembly will be in the very heart of the city. Houston is like Texas – big and bold. It’s the fourth largest city in America and 45 percent non-white in its population mix. It teems with a dynamic that can overwhelm you. It is the energy capital of the United States with no zoning restrictions, which means that the gaudy and glitzy are side-by-side. This is one synergistic city, and a great backdrop for our General Assembly. Let me offer some suggestions for downtown Houston:
- If possible, fly into Houston Hobby Airport. It’s only 15 minutes from downtown
- Wear something cool for the outside heat, but wear a “sleeve” for inside. The air conditioners will keep the Convention Center and hotel comfortably cool.
- Eat some good Texas barbeque. I like Goode’s Barbeque. Also, eat some good Mexican food. I like Ninfas.
- Visit some CBF partnering churches either before or after the General Assembly. Check out CBF’s Find a Church web feature to locate a Houston area church. Just click on Texas and zoom the map into the Houston area to view churches.
- Enjoy downtown Houston. There’s a lot to see and do. Check out this guide one Houston resident created.
- If you have time before or after the Assembly visit the Johnson Space Center (45 minutes away), the Arts Center, Rice University or San Jacinto battlegrounds.
- Come early or stay late. The Hilton of the Americas is a world class hotel, and they have given us great rates before and after the Assembly. Book your room online or by phone at (800) 236-2905. Ask for “Cooperative Baptist Fellowship – 2009 General Assembly.”
I look forward to being with you in Houston in a few weeks! Online pre-registration, which is easy and free, closes Saturday, though you can still register on-site at the Assembly.